Intermediate
Technical
IVT
surgical exploration
Operative procedure to investigate suspected pathology when diagnosis remains uncertain.
Full Definition
A surgical intervention undertaken to directly visualize and assess internal structures when clinical presentation suggests significant pathology but definitive diagnosis remains elusive. In acute care surgery, exploration may be indicated for abdominal pain of unclear etiology, suspected internal bleeding, or evolving clinical signs. The procedure allows for both diagnostic clarification and therapeutic intervention based on operative findings.
Usage
Usage note: More general than 'exploratory laparotomy' which specifies abdominal exploration.
In Context
- "Surgical exploration revealed extensive adhesions causing small bowel obstruction." — Operative findings
- "The decision for surgical exploration was made given the patient's worsening peritonitis." — Clinical decision-making
Also known as
exploratory surgery
diagnostic exploration
Contrasted with
definitive repair
Don't confuse with
exploratory laparotomy
diagnostic laparoscopy